Fibre pioneer to lead Northpower’s electricity network

20 December, 2011

Fibre pioneer to lead Northpower’s electricity network

Graham Dawson has been appointed General Manager of Northpower’s Network Division.

For the past three years he has held the role of Network Services Manager while spearheading Northpower’s build of an Ultra-Fast Broadband network. That resulted in the company landing a Government contract to build the first Crown-backed fibre network in the country. Whangarei’s UFB fibre network is now well underway.

Mr Dawson first joined Northpower in 2005 and has held positions as Construction Manager, Area Manager and most recently Network Services Manager.

He sees his appointment as Network General Manager as a privilege and believes it brings with it challenges that will ultimately be very rewarding.

As General Manager Network, he will oversee 30 staff and Northpower’s extensive electricity distribution network which spans 5700km across the Kaipara and Whangarei Districts. More than 54,000 consumers are connected to the network.

“Business is going to change over the next five to ten years and I believe Northpower is ideally placed to assist the Kaipara and Whangarei Regions with transitions as they are required,” says Mr Dawson.

“That is why we have pushed so hard with our fibre network because it is a game-changer – and there will be others. That’s the beauty of working for Northpower – you have the ability to make things happen.

“I see Northpower as being ideally placed to meet the challenges ahead to drive change in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. Northland has huge potential and opportunities and there is no doubt in my mind that it is one of the best places to live.

“People in our Region are forward thinkers and Northpower has to lead the way in that to ensure security of electricity supply, energy efficiency and other initiatives. We are here to support the community and enhance the area.”

Mr Dawson, an engineer by trade, began his career in a Power Board and worked extensively oversees before settling in Whangarei.

ENDS

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